Steeplechase

Crosscountry Running. The Crick Run. Running over Open Country. The Organization Has to Be Very Strict. The Hazards Are Artificial Nowadays

The steeplechase, often known as crosscountry running, is very popular in most European countries.

The first known organized crosscountry race in 1837 was the Crick Run at Rugby School.

Originally, crosscountry running took place over open country where the hazards were the natural ones to be found in the country. These included hedges, ditches, streams and the like. Schools and some clubs still run over open country. Sometimes, however, the competitors run off the course as, on one occasion, happened to all the runners in a race. Because of this, the organization of these races has to be very strict.

Nowadays, crosscountry races (or steeplechases) are often run in an enclosed area where the hazards are artificial. This makes organization easier.